Missing and Murdered Indigenous Women in the US:

A Case Study Examining Police Jurisdictional Issues

Abstract

This article examines police jurisdictional challenges pertaining to the epidemic of missing and murdered Native American women in the United States. Research suggests that Indigenous women in the US go missing at disproportionate rates in terms of total state populations. This elevated representation is further concerning when connected to public mistrust of police that is exemplified in cooperation issues rooted in law enforcement jurisdictional issues. Recently, the United States government has attempted to ameliorate responses to missing and murdered Indigenous women cases through legislation that includes Savanna’s Act, but the need for addressing inequities remains. To illustrate the jurisdictional difficulties for authorities involved in the disappearances of Native women, three death investigations were examined employing a case study approach. Findings revealed that interagency jurisdictional complications created animosity between police and the families involved in two of the cases. The article concludes with a discussion of police jurisdiction in Missing and Murdered Indigenous Women cases, and the broader implications for future investigations.